"You must be Minato-san, right? My name is Yahiko!"
Yahiko greeted Minato with a warm smile. Despite being the leader of Akatsuki, he was, in essence, a boy no older than sixteen or seventeen. His voice carried a mix of youthful energy and the weight of responsibility that came with his position.
Minato observed the orange-haired boy, who was shorter than him, standing there with an earnest expression. The sincerity in Yahiko's smile made it impossible for Minato to feel any hostility.
Although Yahiko had stated earlier that he came to assist Hanzo and the others, Minato bore no grudge. His teacher, Jiraiya, had shown no particular concern for this situation, and Minato wasn't one to hold animosity without cause.
"I've heard Jiraiya-sensei mention you often," Minato replied with a smile of his own. "He speaks highly of you and your group. It seems you're truly remarkable young people."
Despite his light-hearted tone, the unique markings of Sage Mode on Minato's face gave him an otherworldly appearance. The oil-like pigmentation, combined with his already striking features, made him look both ethereal and intimidating. Yet, there was a kindness in his gaze that softened his otherwise formidable presence.
Behind Yahiko stood Konan and Nagato, their expressions carefully measured as they observed the "legendary" senior brother that their teacher had been praising when he taught them.
Konoha's Yellow Flash, a name whispered with awe and dread across the nations, had cemented his reputation during this Third Ninja World War. His exploits—particularly his devastating victory over Iwagakure, where he had reportedly eliminated more than 800 ninjas—were unparalleled.
For Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato, Minato's name carried a mix of fascination and trepidation. Stories of his speed, precision, and deadly efficiency made him a figure larger than life. However, the man before them, with his gentle demeanor and disarming smile, seemed almost at odds with the fearsome reputation that preceded him.
"You must be Konan and Nagato, right?" Minato asked, his eyes shifting from Yahiko to the two standing behind him.
Konan, the purple-haired kunoichi, stood poised with an air of quiet determination. Beside her, Nagato remained shrouded under the hood of his black robe, his face partially obscured.
With his keen observational skills, Minato noticed the way Nagato's eyes glimmered faintly under the shadows of the hood. The distinct concentric patterns within his purple irises were unmistakable—the Rinnegan.
Minato felt a flicker of unease ripple through him.
The Rinnegan.
It was a legendary dojutsu, said to belong only to the Sage of Six Paths. The presence of such a power in Nagato's gaze sent a chill through Minato's soul.
Within him, the residual will of the Nine-Tailed Fox stirred uneasily.
"Those eyes… they belong to the Sage of Six Paths!" The nine-tail's voice rumbled in Minato's mind, trembling with both fear and reverence.
Minato's expression remained neutral, concealing his inner thoughts as he studied Nagato. He surmised that Nagato was intentionally keeping his power hidden, and Minato respected his discretion. A power like the Rinnegan was not just rare—it was a magnet for danger.
Among the three great dojutsu—Sharingan, Byakugan, and Rinnegan—the latter was in a league of its own. Unlike the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, whose eyes were famed but protected by their prominence, the Rinnegan was the stuff of myths. If the truth of Nagato's power became known, it would undoubtedly draw the attention of every opportunistic faction in the ninja world.
Minato's thoughts turned to the Uzumaki clan. Their immense power and unique chakra had once been the envy of other nations, leading to their downfall. The fear and greed of others had united to destroy them.
The realization weighed on Minato. If Nagato's lineage was Uzumaki, his possession of the Rinnegan would make him a target unlike any other.
While Minato exchanged pleasantries with Yahiko and his group, the atmosphere among the other leaders darkened.
Rasa, Kitsuchi, and Rōshi stood nearby, their expressions grim. Their presence, though formidable, was overshadowed by the dynamic unfolding between Jiraiya's disciples and Minato.
"Where do these children come from?" Rōshi muttered, his voice laced with irritation as he glanced at Hanzo.
The mention of Nagato seemed to trigger something in Rōshi. His instincts as a jinchuriki warned him of the immense chakra radiating from Nagato. A sense of unease lingered, one that he couldn't quite shake.
Hanzo, too, appeared uneasy. His usually confident demeanor faltered as he realized the depth of the connections between Jiraiya, Minato, and Yahiko's group.
The leader of Akatsuki was Jiraiya's apprentice. The weight of this revelation hung heavy over Hanzo. Memories of past defeats—particularly his near-fatal encounter with Minato during the previous war—only exacerbated his discomfort.
Yahiko, however, remained composed. After reuniting with Jiraiya and meeting Minato, he allowed himself a brief moment of nostalgia. Then, his demeanor shifted. The warmth in his expression was replaced by the resolute focus of a leader addressing a matter of grave importance.
"Teacher," Yahiko began, his voice steady yet solemn. "I've come here to discuss something with the leader of Konoha's army."
Jiraiya's brows furrowed slightly, sensing the gravity of Yahiko's words. Beside him, Minato's expression also turned serious.
Though Jiraiya took no offense at Yahiko's formal tone, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He understood the burden Yahiko carried and the choices he had made. Yahiko was no longer the orphan he had once mentored—he was a leader now, representing his own people and ideals.
"Go ahead," Jiraiya said, exhaling slowly, his breath visible in the cool air.
Yahiko met Jiraiya's gaze, his determination unwavering. "I request that Konoha's forces withdraw from the Land of Rain and cease bringing war to our territory. The civilians here have suffered enough."
A tense silence followed his words.
From the sidelines, Uchiha Yoruki scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Withdraw? You make it sound as though Konoha is the aggressor here."
His sharp gaze shifted to Hanzo. "If you recall, it was your leader who instigated this conflict, poisoning Konoha's forces along the border of the Land of Rain. That act alone sparked this war."
Hanzo's expression darkened as Yoruki's words hit their mark. The demigod of the ninja world, a title Hanzo wore with pride, now felt like a hollow boast in the face of such accusations.
"And if I may remind you," Yoruki continued, "the subsequent alliance between you, the Sand, and the Rock only proved your desperation. Yet even then, you failed to subdue us."
Minato's gaze locked onto Hanzo, his usual calm replaced by a cold intensity. "Next time, you may not be so fortunate to escape."
Hanzo, despite his composure, felt a shiver run down his spine. The last encounter with Minato had nearly cost him his life. The threat in Minato's words was not an idle one.
Yahiko raised his hand slightly, signaling for calm. Though he was young, his leadership qualities shone through in moments like this. Turning to Jiraiya and Minato, he spoke again, his tone measured but resolute.
"We acknowledge our mistakes," Yahiko admitted. "But Konoha once stood as a beacon of peace and diplomacy, guided by the principles of the First Hokage. Has that vision been forgotten? War in the Land of Rain will only bring suffering to those who have already endured more than their share of pain."
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